Security software extends its reach

The new generation of security software promises a bright future for PC's "health". In addition to updated security features, new AOL software packages, McAfee, Microsoft and Symantec also offer backup services and PC tweaking utilities.

Microsoft started with the end of May with Windows Live OneCare, including anti-virus, spyware, firewall, utilities to defrag and clean the hard disk in a single, simple, easy-to-use interface. OneCare also backs up data to CDs, DVDs and external hard drives, not through network drives or network storage.

McAfee's Total Protection beta offers a new backup feature, added to the previous security suite, with 1GB of online backup.

Not to be outdone, McAfee, Symantec and AOL also joined. McAfee's all-in-one package, Total Protection, was released in June and is expected to be released later this summer. Symantec will have Norton 360, available in March 2007; and on July 13, AOL released a test version only available to members of Total Care. AOL will have the official version of Total Care, but the company has not mentioned the price or release date.

In addition to firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus tools (AOL uses McAfee's engine to scan for viruses), all three sets of products will add different types of anti-phishing features. OneCare lacks anti-forgery features, probably because it is integrated in Internet Explorer 7. Like IE7, AOL's anti-phishing feature will block fake websites that are listed in the blackboard; McAfee and Symantec are more sophisticated, analyzing other websites and evaluating their safety.

AOL, McAfee and Symantec also offer online backup services. The current Total Protection beta from McAfee can be stored online 1GB. Symantec is still pricing and features for online backup services; AOL said it will make an online backup, but this feature is not included in the July 13 beta.

Priced at $ 50 a year for 3 PCs, oneCare is cheaper than previous security suites ($ 50 or more per PC, plus an annual antivirus registration fee). This price also includes any software updates (which previous ministries did not have). Obviously, users can easily recognize Microsoft's oneCare package quite attractive. According to research firm NPD Group, oneCare was ranked among the top 8 software sold in the US during the first 2 weeks of sale.

According to NPD Group, Total Protection and Norton 360 will be priced similarly although McAfee and Symantec do not have specific prices. As a result, customer service is also improved. Microsoft offers free technical support over the phone, compared to McAfee's service, which costs $ 3 per minute and Symantec is $ 30 for each problem. Symantec is building a real-time chat support system, and AOL said the price of the product depends on the level of support it provides.

The Microsoft giant jumped into the security software market that created a commotion and the end result is that users will benefit.